The 2025 Chicago Marathon Expo Begins at McCormick Place as Runners Prepare for the Bank of America Marathon on October 12

CHICAGO (WLS) — More than 50,000 people will line up Sunday morning for a 26.2-mile tour of Chicago, on foot, and they pay money for the privilege.

The 47th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon draws people from all walks of life each with their own motivation for the race.

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“Thinking about my training, how far I came and the people expecting to see that medal at the end helps keep me going,” runner Wesley Wiley said.

As runners entered the marathon expo shortly after it opened Thursday morning, they were shopping for marathon merch and also learning about some causes that are motivating people to run.

Steve Moore lost his son to suicide 20 years ago. He’s running Sunday to raise money for suicide prevention and talking to runners at the expo. He says it’s as much about spreading the message as fundraising.

“They go out and talk to dozens of people and dozens of people are now aware of AFSP. They’re aware of suicide prevention,” Moore said.

The race attracts runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries who will make their way through 29 different Chicago neighborhoods, spurring hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact and raising more than $36 million dollars for charities.

Jill Dine is running for the Chicago Diabetes Project.

“It’s a family affair, knowing we’re making a difference and hopefully find a cure for type 1,” Dine said.

SEE ALSO | Charity runners gear up for Bank of America Chicago Marathon: ‘For something bigger than themselves’

Executive race director Carey Pinkowski has overseen the marathon for 36 years, everyone from world class professional runners to those running for charity and everyone in between.

“So many great stories at all levels and all aspects of the event,” Pinkowski said. “It creates a wonderful community.”

The Bank of America Chicago marathon is one of the top three largest marathons in the world. Organizers are expecting more that 50,000 finishers this year, each with their own individual motivation and story.